You have decided that your kitchen needs a serious update, but you are on a limited budget. One remodeling choice that can save you some money is cabinet refacing. If your kitchen cabinets are well-constructed and you are satisfied with the amount and efficiency of your storage space, then cabinet refacing may be the right choice. You can reface your cabinets with paint, stain, veneer, laminate, or wood ornamentation, giving your kitchen a new look at a fraction of the cost.

Cabinet Refacing Choices

Once you have decided on cabinet refacing, you have lots of other choices to make. Style, color, and hardware are the three major elements you need to consider. You need to choose a color that will complement the flooring, countertops, and appliances in your kitchen. Style is another consideration--country, ultramodern, traditional, or European? Again, unless you want to redo the entire room, choose a compatible style. Finally, the hardware should accent the cabinets and the overall kitchen décor. Hinges, knobs, drawer pulls, handles should blend with the color and style of your cabinets. You can also choose to replace your drawer glides for smoother operation.

Refinish Kitchen Cabinets Yourself or Hire a Contractor?

If you have home improvement skills, the proper tools, and enough spare time, you can re-face your cabinets yourself and save a good deal of money. If, on the other hand, you lack some or all of those attributes, consider hiring a cabinet refacing professional. If possible, use a local company. Get references and check them out. Check with the local Better Business Bureau and the contractor's board, and make sure your contract spells out costs, dates, guarantees, and payment terms.

Once the job is complete, you can enjoy the new look of your kitchen, the most-used room in your home.